Sam Allardyce new England manager: Sunderland boss interviewed for Three Lions job

SAM ALLARDYCE has been interviewed for the England manager’s job.

The Sunderland boss, 61, met with FA vice-chairman David Gill at his Cheshire home.

FA technical boss Dan Ashworth and chief executive Martin Glenn were also at the meeting.

It is no secret Big Sam wants the job after being overlooked in favour of Steve McClaren in 2006.

And he is hoping an endorsement from Sir Alex Ferguson will persuade the three-man panel to let him succeed Roy Hodgson.

Gill was chief executive at Manchester United when Ferguson was building an Old Trafford dynasty.

And Fergie gets on well with ex-Bolton, Newcastle and West Ham boss Allardyce.

Big Sam is not the only name in the frame as there is support within the FA for a younger coach to bring talent through the age groups.

Bournemouth’s 38-year-old boss Eddie Howe is the best fit for that profile.

But Allardyce’s biggest challenge for the job could come from his old pal Steve Bruce.

Hull boss Bruce and Allardyce have been buddies for over 25 years, but they have emerged as fierce rivals for the post.

Ashworth is believed to want an ‘informal’ chat with Bruce when he returns from Tigers’ pre-season base tomorrow.

Bruce, 55, who has won four promotions to the top flight — two apiece with Birmingham and Hull — has impressed the FA.

And the ex-United skipper last night admitted his interest in succeeding Hodgson.

He said: “For any English manager it’s the pinnacle of your career to take charge of the English national team.

“Of course I’d be interested in talking to them. It’s the top job.”

Bruce says there has been no contact with the FA and added: “To be linked with the job is terrific but it’s only speculation.”